CPU Comparison
Core Ultra 7 268V vs Intel Core Ultra 9 288V
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 268V is the premium mobile offering within the Lunar Lake lineup, designed for high-end thin and light laptops. It features an 8-core, 8-thread architecture comprising 4 Lion Cove P-Cores and 4 Skymont E-Cores. The standout feature of the 268V is its integrated 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory, running at 8533 MT/s, which provides ample capacity for heavy multitasking and professional workloads in a compact form factor. Built on TSMC's 3nm process, it operates with a base TDP of just 17W, ensuring exceptional battery life. The processor includes an Arc 140V GPU for robust integrated graphics performance. Additionally, its NPU 4 delivers 48 TOPS, fully supporting advanced AI applications and Copilot+ features. With a max turbo frequency of 5.0 GHz, the 268V strikes an optimal balance between high performance and power efficiency, targeting users who need maximum memory and processing power in an ultraportable design.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
32GB of RAM ensures smooth performance even with dozens of tabs and apps open.
Excellent single-core performance for office tasks and web apps.
Gaming
Similar to other Arc 140V chips, great for light gaming.
Arc 140V is a massive leap, allowing 1080p gaming in thin-and-lights.
Virtualization
32GB RAM allows for more comfortable VM hosting than the 266V.
Limited by 8 threads and 32GB max memory, but capable of light VMs.
Efficiency
Maintains class-leading efficiency despite higher memory capacity.
Industry-leading performance-per-watt for x86 laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 48 TOPS NPU
- Total 118 TOPS platform performance
- Great for running local LLMs thanks to 32GB RAM
- 48 TOPS NPU enables Copilot+ PC features like Recall
- Can run small LLMs locally
- NPU offloads CPU/GPU for better battery during AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Same Arc 140V graphics as the rest of the Ultra 7 V-series
- Suitable for 1080p low setting gaming
- Excellent for older or indie titles
- Arc 140V iGPU can play modern titles at 1080p Low/Medium
- Massive improvement over previous Intel iGPUs
- Not a replacement for discrete laptop GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Integrated 32GB memory for heavy multitasking
- Class-leading power efficiency
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+
- Arc 140V graphics offer great mobile performance
- 5.0 GHz boost clock
Cons
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Expensive laptops required
- Not meant for heavy 3D rendering
Pros
- Exceptional power efficiency
- 32GB RAM integrated on package
- 48 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI
- Powerful Arc 140V integrated graphics
- Silent operation in slim chassis
Cons
- Memory is non-upgradable (soldered to CPU)
- Only 8 threads limits heavy multi-threading
- Expensive, only found in premium laptops
- Low PCIe lane count for expansion
Competitors & Alternatives
Core Ultra 7 268V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 ProRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 288VRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 365Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 7 266VAlt
If you only need 16GB of RAM and want to save money.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
A slightly slower but cheaper 32GB Lunar Lake option.
- Apple MacBook Pro M3Alt
For a premium alternative ecosystem.
- Snapdragon X EliteAlt
For a different ARM-based Windows experience.
Intel Core Ultra 9 288V
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Mobile
- Alt
Best alternative if you are open to macOS for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core Ultra 7 258VAlt
Slightly lower clocked Lunar Lake chip for a better price.
Meteor Lake alternative if you need more cores and discrete GPU.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The 268V is the ultimate Lunar Lake chip for power users needing 32GB of RAM in a highly efficient, portable form factor.
Best for: Since the Core Ultra 7 268V is a mobile processor, it is only available inside pre-built laptops. If you are a professional, developer, or power user who needs a highly portable laptop that can handle heavy multitasking, virtualization, or large datasets, a 268V laptop is an outstanding investment. The 32 GB of integrated memory ensures you have plenty of RAM for the lifespan of the device. It is the ideal choice if you want the longest possible battery life without sacrificing performance. However, remember that the RAM and CPU are non-upgradable, so you should buy a laptop with this chip only if you are certain 32 GB is sufficient for your long-term needs.
Read the full reviewAn engineering marvel that combines memory, CPU, GPU, and NPU into a highly efficient package, redefining laptop battery life and AI capabilities.
Best for: Buying a premium ultrabook for all-day battery life and AI features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core Ultra 7 268V or Intel Core Ultra 9 288V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core Ultra 7 268V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V.
Which uses less power?
The Core Ultra 7 268V has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core Ultra 7 268V (17 W), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (30 W).
Do Core Ultra 7 268V and Intel Core Ultra 9 288V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core Ultra 7 268V: Intel BGA 2833, Intel Core Ultra 9 288V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 288V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core Ultra 7 268V (0), Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.